Archives for April 2015

Emma Kate is now 7 months old. I haven’t done a “day in the life’ post in awhile, and things change mighty quickly around here! Emma Kate does go to daycare certain days of the week, but I thought it would be way more entertaining to do a day in the life post of when we are together all day.

5:15: Emma Kate is crying. it is WAY too early to get up. I close my eyes and wish her back to sleep. It works! She’s quiet again by 5:30 and I fall asleep at 5:50.

6:05: I hear the creature stirring again. Maybe if I ignore it, the crying will stop. I kid. I know she is up for good this time. I get up, go to the bathroom, turn on the Keurig, and get my little darling child. I change her diaper, ask her how she slept, and we go into the kitchen to make a bottle.

6:15: Emma Kate eats 6 ounces, while I down a giant mug of coffee, let the dog out, and check my email on my phone. In the mornings she is really calm and content to just hang out and not need my attention every second, so this gives me some time to fix breakfast and answer a few emails/tweet out my blog post for the day.

7:00: Baby is tired of playing on the floor (it’s SO nice now that she can sit up on her own!) so I hold her and talk to her for a few minutes then put her in her jumparoo. At some point, Bobby gets up and gets ready for work. We talk while he eats breakfast, and I realize I never fed Bella. Oops. That happens more than I care to admit recently, but she always lets me know.

7:30: I sit on the couch and sing songs and talk to EK. She is babbling, singing, and making high pitched noises a lot these days, so it’s fun to carry on conversations with her.

8:00: We do some tummy time, and I answer more emails for clients, and start thinking about tomorrows blog post.

8:30: Emma Kate is getting fussy and rubbing her eyes. Nap time! She usually goes down for her morning nap without too much of a fight which is nice. One of my least favorite things to do is put her down for naps. it can be quite the battle some days.

9:00: Like clockwork, she is awake. 85% of EK’s naps are exactly 30 minutes. The other 15% fall somewhere between 35 and 55 minutes, with the VERY rare 1:15 minute nap. Last Sunday she took a two hour nap and I kept checking on her to make sure she was still breathing. Anyway, I change her, feed her a bottle, and answer more emails.

9:30: it’s a nice day, so we go out on the screened in porch and sit on the couch. I put down a blanket and some toys so she can play. She loves being outside, and so does Bella (and me!) so everyone wins.

10:30: We are meeting a friend at 11:00 to walk at the park with her and her baby, so I load up the diaper bag, stroller, and all the other stuff (ssoo much baby stuff!) and we drive to Smoothie King where I pick up a smoothie before getting to the park.

11:00: We swing on the swings while we wait for our friends, and then we walk 3.5 miles. Somewhere along the way, Emma Kate fell asleep and slept for about 35-40 minutes, so there goes nap number two!

12:00: We get in the car and head back home. Emma Kate eats another bottle and plays on the floor while I get some work done. I go back and forth checking on her, talking to her, and giving her toys and consider just putting my laptop on the floor next to her.

12:35: She starts getting fussy so I put her in her highchair and give her some baby food. She lloovveess her some bananas. We talk and sing while she eats, and then I clean her up. I realize I am still hungry so I grab a quest bar and we walk around the house pointing out different objects and just hang out.

1:15: I really need to get going on my blog post, so I put EK in her jumparoo and turn on Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. She loves him, and especially the hot dog dance. Yes, I am brain washing her form a young age.

1:45: I take Bella out, and put Emma Kate under her activity gym to bat at some toys. She can reach them now and tries to pull the whole thing down.

2:00: I haven’t even thought about dinner yet and still have a lot of work to do. I decide we will do something easy, like tacos, even though it’s not taco Tuesday. It can be taco Wednesday, right? I get out some of the ingredients so I won’t forget, and I work some more on my blog post.

2:30: Emma Kate is ready for another nap, so I take her into the nursery and rock her in the rocking chair. Oohhh she is putting up a fight today. She cries and screams and acts incredibly dramatic, but finally calms down and passes out. I put her in her crib and pray she sleeps longer than 30 minutes.

3:10. Well, I guess I should have been most specific with my prayer. She slept 40 minutes instead of 30. Another diaper change, and another bottle, and she’s a happy girl.

3:30: I keep looking at the clock. 2 hours until Bobby comes home, and then I will have some help so I can get dinner ready and finish up a few emails to clients and such. Some days just really seem to drag, and this is one of them. I think when I don’t run or go to the gym the day seems longer. Since I typically walk with my friend on Wednesdays, I consider it a rest day. Anyway, Emma and I hang out on the floor with her toys and I try to do some dishes and laundry as long as she is happy. I hate when Bobby comes home and it looks like I have done nothing all day long.

4:30: Little miss thing is getting cranky. Usually between her last nap and bedtime she gets fussy and today is no exception. I can hold out for one hour I tell myself. She gets in a mood where she only wants to be held at this time of night, so we walk around the living room and I try to do a little picking up with one hand.

5:10: Bobby texts me that he is on his way home. My favorite phrase. I start pulling out the food for dinner and getting it going.

5:30: Bobby walks in and takes the baby so I can finish cooking. She goes into her highchair and Bobby feeds her some sweet potatoes and apricots while I set the table. We eat and feed the baby at the same time, and then it’s time for her bath.

6:00: Baby bath time, PJ’s, lotion, and hair brushing.

6:20: Bobby gives Emma Kate her last bottle while I finish up my blog post and other work odds and ends.

6:45: baby bedtime! Bobby says prayers with her and puts her to bed while I take a shower.

7:00: Baby is asleep, woo hoo! I do some more work then force myself away from my laptop. I really need some down time.

7:20: We head upstairs with the baby monitor. Bobby gets on his computer and I watch some TV while I catch up on social media on my iPad. I eat a snack, and unwind. Whew. I have work to do but don’t do it, it is never ending and will be there tomorrow.

8:45: I am a loser who goes to bed early because my baby gets up early. I tell Bobby goodnight, we chat for a minute, and then I go downstairs and hang up some clothes in my closet. I’m just constantly doing random chores around the house. Then I get ready for bed and do a little magazine reading. I am SO behind, there is a huge stack by my bed. I don’t know why I keep up my subscriptions.

9:30: I’m falling asleep reading, so I turn out my light, hoping EK doesn’t wake up in the night! She has been pretty good lately and sleeping through the night is amazing.

…and then we do it all over again!

QOTD: Do you have to force yourself to stop working at the end of the day?

Well, when I woke up yesterday morning I did NOT have plans of sitting in a virtual que in a panic trying to register for the runDisney marathon weekend! I found out yesterday morning that they are offering the castaway challenge after the race, which I ssoooo badly want to do. I have talked to and begged runDisney to partner with DCL for years, so it’s only fitting I do the challenge, right?

Bobby and I signed up for the half marathon with hopes of doing the Castaway challenge and cruising on the Disney Dream after the race, but we are realistic and also realize we may have to defer if things don’t work out in our favor. I am so so glad runDisney started to allow you to defer your race registration, it makes it a lot easier to pull the trigger and sign up!

After missing marathon weekend this year, it will be fun to go back without the stress of waking up four mornings in a row for Dopey! We probably won’t arrive until Friday, will hit up the expo, run Saturday, then relax Sunday before getting on the boat Monday. I’m trying not to get too excited in case we have to defer, but I am going to try to make sure it happens!

Who has done the Castaway Challenge? Any tips? What to do what to skip, any pointers? I need all the info I can get!

So, now I get to hopefully see a bunch of you during marathon weekend, and maybe even some of you on the cruise?

QOTD: Who is running and what are you running, and who is cruising with me?

P.S. I would love to book your cruise for the castaway challenge! Email me at [email protected]

Today is a big day for runDisney fans, registration for marathon weekend 2016 opens at noon EST today on runDisney.com! I sadly won’t be registering (unless I find out I have some rich great uncle I didn’t know I had), but I wish lots of pixie dust to those of you that are registering!

Be sure you understand the above instructions!

If you are on the fence about registering, allow me to shove you over. Marathon weekend is the first runDisney race weekend I ever participated in before runDisney even existed. I went back in 2011, 2013, and 2014 adding more distance each time (I went from the half, to the full, to goofy to dopey!) It is a blast, and I do hope to participate again in the future. Lots and lots of special memories!

Anyway, if you have any questions about marathon weekend of any of the races I would be happy to help you. For now, please enjoy some of my old posts on the races and race weekend by visiting my runDisney page. I will link to a couple of them here for you, too. GOOD LUCK!

We are now officially on the downside of the hill headed towards having a one year old! Emma Kate turned seven months old on Friday.

She also learned that she can smear mommy’s chalkboard. Oy.

Oh, where to begin, where to begin. With the warmer weather, Emma Kate and I have been getting out and about a lot more than we did this winter. Her schedule is more predictable so it’s a lot easier to go and do things without the fear of the flu and you know, ebola and stuff. We meet a friend and her baby for a walk in the park almost every week, and we spend time outside on the back patio when the weather is nice. Her teachers at Mother’s Day Out tell me she loves watching the big kids play on the playground. I love that she enjoys being outside like her mommy! I keep telling her to enjoy it while it lasts, because soon it will be too hot to be outside. Sad times.

Baby girl weighs over 19 pounds, and is getting so long. Her legs in particular are super long. I already feel sorry for the poor girl when she is a tween and hits her growth spurt. She’s going to look like an ostrich like I did at age 12. She doesn’t have any new teeth, still just the two bottoms ones.

Emma Kate Loves:

-Being outside

-grabbing people’s faces and hair

-fake coughing when you cough

-pulling bows out of her hair (sad mommy)

-watching Bella

-sitting up like a big girl

-riding in her stroller

-being carried everywhere

-swinging on the swings at the park

Emma Kate does not like:

-naptime

-being put down

-when she can’t reach a toy

-being woken up from a nap

-changing clothes/putting her arms in a shirt

A big milestone was hit this month, EK can now officially sit up on her own! She still occasionally falls over when she tries tor each for something, but it’s nice being able to just sit her up on the rug with toys all around her and let her play. She loves her new Fisher-Price Musical Lion Walker from Grammy and Grandpa. She sits in front of it and plays with all of the toys on it and will hopefully one day walk behind it!

She still isn’t a big fan of rolling over, but will do it occasionally. She wants to crawl SO badly. She as the legs down. She kicks and moves them, and even lifts her butt and legs off the ground, but hasn’t figured out the arm thing yet or how to go up on her hands. Here is her best attempt at downward dog:

She can also “stand” and lock her legs out with assistance and put her weight on them.

This is what happens when we don’t brush her hair after a bath. It’s wild!

She is still doing well at mother’s day out, and doesn’t cry when I leave. She will let anyone hold her as long as they are giving her attention. Of course.

Sleep at night is going very well. She is back to sleeping through the night and in her crib. She sleeps 11-12 hours and it is glorious. However, if doesn’t matter if she goes to bed at 6 or 7, she will still wake up at 6:00. Naps could use some work. She is finally accepting the crib and will fall asleep on her own, but most naps are 30-40 minutes. Once or twice a week she will sleep over an hour but that is a rarity.

Homegirl definitely has a very strong personality and quite the little temper. The time in between her last nap and bedtime is usually a whiny fussy struggle (her not me, I promise!) As she constantly wants, I’m not really sure what, because I get this face no matter what I do:

We have baby dedication at church on May 17th, so that will be interesting. Please, please don’t be the baby that screams bloody murder or vomits on stage. I may die.

We took EK’s 6 month pictures two weeks ago and I cannot wait to get the proofs back. It was quite entertaining jumping up and down and making noises trying to get her to smile and laugh. She was a trooper and only face planted in the dirt twice.

We are doing well with solid food, I give her some usually twice a day. We are on stage two foods, and she hasn’t really gotten the hang of feeding herself but I know we will get there eventually. She eats about 31/32 ounces of formula a day plus the solid food.

We are still in size 3 diapers, but all 6 month clothes have been packed away. She is in 9 month stuff, and we are moving up to 12 month footed sleepers because she is just so long. It’s sad to look at her tiny clothes and think she used to be that small, but at the same time I am loving this stage way more than the newborn stage!

QOTD: Did you get professional pictures made of your kids/babies? Did you have a hard time packing away baby clothes?

Hey yall, it’s Friday again! I must say, this week has gone by pretty quickly. I hope next week goes by fast, too since I am going to Disney World next Friday! Now, because I said that, next week will crawl by slower than my marathon time. Now that’s slow!

Anyway, it’s been awhile since I have shared some of my favorite things. So, here we go!

Timex Ironman ONE GPS+ watch:I know I have shared about this before, but I really REALLY am loving this GPS watch! The numbers are nice and big, and I love the touch screen idea. I still don’t know how to do everything on it yet, but I’m really enjoying it so far.

CHIA life chia seeds: I saw a recipe in a magazine for a smoothie I wanted to try, and didn’t have any chia seeds. I picked these up at Kroger, and I really liked adding them into my smoothie. They are loaded with antioxidants and fiber. I feel like I stay fuller longer with my smoothies now, and they are super easy to incorporate into my recipes. There are a ton of other benefits I could list, but go check it out for yourself here: Renew Life Ultimate Chia life Nutritional Supplement Jar, 16 Ounce

Bath and Body Works Stress Relief Lotion: My mom bought this lotion and left t at my house for us to use, and I have fallen in love with it! I wash my hands so much they stay pretty dry, and I am way too lazy to open a bottle of lotion multiple times a day. Enter lotion in a pump bottle right by the bathroom sink. The scent is wonderful and “supposedly” helps with stress. Ha. You can pick up a bottle at any BBB store or online.

Smocked a lot swimsuit:I love smocked clothing, and Emma Kate was in need of a swimsuit. This site I found has super cute stuff for kids are great prices! How adorbs is this?!? The website is full of cute stuff.

COOLA sun products: When I went to California for the LA marathon, this lotion and sunscreen was in the hospitality suite for us if we wanted to try it. I really love the sunscreen, it’s sheer and very light for your face, and the after-sun lotion is soothing and smells great. I will be buying more when I run out of these! They also have a spray body sunscreen too but I’m too lazy to go find it for a photo. (Noticing a lazy trend?) Here are the two products pictured:

The title of this post makes me laugh a little. I like to post “prep posts” before runDisney races letting everyone know where I will be, what I will be doing, and how I am preparing for the race. Well, this is my first time (and last, sadly since it’s going away) participating in the runDisney Expedition Everest Challenge, so I really don’t know what to expect. BUT, since I ran a marathon last month, and this is a 5k, I think I will be ok physically.

I will say, Everest has always been fascinating to me because it’s SO different from other races, and honestly I have had a hard time finding a lot of information or pictures of the actual race and after party, so don’t worry I will be sure to take plenty for your viewing pleasure. So since I have never run the race, there isn’t much to say by way of preparations, so let’s move on to the rest of the trip.

Usually I am super stoked about race weekends because there is so much fun and hype surrounding them. EE is kind of the runDisney red headed step child, so I’m honestly not surprised this is the last year. I’m not as excited about the actual race as I have been in years past for other races with big expos and fanfare. However, I am excited about the cool medal, and the REAL reason for this trip. To run away. Ah, yes. Jen and I have had this plan in the works since I was pregnant. fellow moms you know the drill, you just need to get away sometimes with your girlfriends, right? It’s for our sanity. It makes us better moms. I can justice the mess out of this one you guys.

We will be arriving next Friday, and staying until Tuesday at Disney’s Caribbean Beach resort. I’m excited to stay here because 1.) I never have, the only time I have even BEEN there is on the magical express bus dropping off or picking up people, so I will be taking a ton of photos, and 2.) They just refurbished the rooms, so I am anxious to see how Disney did as far as that goes. It also helps Caribbean beach was the only moderate host resort for EE, so, we were kind of forced into it.

Jen and I are running as a team. Our team name is “runaway moms” because, well, I feel it’s fairly self explanatory. The best part is, aside from the race and a few dining reservation, we don’t have any “major” plans for our time there. We will just be relaxing, hanging out, and eating. Lots and lots of eating.

We will be eating at Narcoossees, Mama Melrose, Liberty Tree Tavern, and some others as well as indulging in well….whatever we want to eat! I have fond memories of eating at Narcoossees with Jen on our very first girls trip together back in 2009. Crazy we have been going to Disney together since then!

This is from the first time we met back in January 2009. We later went on a girls trip in July of that year.

Jen and I have long discussed the need for girls trips, as we clearly believe in them, but we don’t think our spouses exactly “get it”. Don’t get me wrong, I love traveling with my husband and my family, but there is just something different about a girls only trip. Would you agree? What am I getting at? I’m not quite sure I can put my finger on it. Any thoughts?

Be sure to follow #RunawayMoms while we are there, and if you are running the race too, we would love to say hi! We will be the ones running around not sure of what to do with ourselves with no babies to hold or diapers to change. We will miss them, but I think we will be ok.

QOTD: Who has done Expedition Everest? Any tips? Will you be there? Do you go on girls or guys only trips? Why do they seem so different or more relaxing than just traveling with a spouse (clearly they are more relaxing than traveling with kids for obvious reasons).

Good morning my friends and happy hump day. (Said the camel way, of course). Yesterday I did something some would consider drastic….I chopped off my hair. COLLECTIVE GASP! I know, right? It was seriously time. My hair told me it was time. (What, your hair doesn’t talk to you?) Anyway, I had a ponytail holder break on me, and since I haven’t had a haircut in oh…8 months…back when I was pregnant….I knew it was time. I know, I know. I hang my head in shame.

Something you may or may not know about me…I am THE most low maintenance hair person. It’s in a ponytail nine times out of ten because well…I’m lazy, and can think of 100 other things to do with my time besides straighten my long thick hair. I don’t even own a blow dryer. I’m not even kidding. My last one broke a year or two ago and I just never replaced it. Anyway, I was hoping by chopping my hair off, the summer heat would be more bearable for running and, maybe I would take the time to actually straighten it if it wasn’t halfway down my back. We will see. Don’t hold your breathe.

Do you chop off your hair as the seasons change? Just curious. I stood my ground though and said no to bangs. EVERY TIME I cut my bangs I immediately, like as in ten minutes later, regret it. You should have to sign a mental health waiver to get bangs cut. It’s that traumatizing. Let’s move on shall we?

I was chatting with a friend the other day about texting, and realized something pretty funny. I am the type of person that texts back IMMEDIATELY. I always have my phone next to me or in my hand, so I will reply as long as I’m not on the phone or changing a diaper or something fun like that. Seriously, if you text me and I don’t respond within ten minutes, call the cops, because I may be dead. I have friends that I text with daily, and some are like me and respond instantly (and I in turn get worried if I don’t hear back within a few minutes), and then I have some that may go hours or even days without texting me back. HOW IS THIS POSSIBLE?!? Someone please help me. Is this a blogger/social media thing? Because I am always on social media due to the nature of my work, am I just more prone to responding quickly to texts?

It’s honestly something I never really thought about until now. Someone please enlighten me? Am I a freak? (Bobby, you are not allowed to answer, k thanks.) I’m not saying there is anything wrong with any particular way or timeframe, I just find it fascinating.

Oh, on that note, my husband will be sitting on the couch and get a text and just ignore it. I’m all like AREN’T YOU GOING TO READ THAT? It seriously makes me twitch. Ok, so maybe I do have a problem. Also, don’t leave me a voicemail. There is a good chance you will never hear from me. If you call and I don’t answer, text me and tell me what you want me to do (call you back, etc.) I’m not sure why but I really dislike listening to voicemail. Oh, also if I don’t have your number in my phone and you call me, I probably won’t answer. I refuse to talk to solicitors and that’s usually who the no-name calls are from. So now that you know ALL of my “phone quirks,” I think it’s time for me to be quiet before you never come back to my blog again. if you need me, text, don’t call.

QOTD: What is your texting style? Do you like voicemail? How often do you cut your hair?

As I was sitting in front of my computer yesterday morning watching the live stream of the Boston Marathon, I realized that I really, really did not have time to watch all morning, but I just couldn’t pull myself away from the screen. I indulged myself though, and watched the women’s and men’s winners cross before starting my work. MISTAKE. I quickly got overwhelmed when I realized there was not enough time to get everything done I needed to for the day because I had “lost” two hours of valuable work time. Although, let’s face it. It’s the Boston marathon. It definitely not wasted time, but for the purposes of this post, just go with it. If I had remembered that the marathon was that morning (I know, I’m ashamed to call myself a runner), I could have planned for it. Instead I found myself behind. I really really wanted to get a haircut but it had to be something I “dropped” for the day. It was either that or getting groceries, so even though my hair sadly looks like a lion’s mane, we have to eat.

This of course got me thinking about all the other days and times I end up with way too many things to do and not enough time to do them in….Which is sometimes multiple days a week. When I get overwhelmed and not sure where to start I end up procrastinating so it’s a vicious cycle. Today I wanted to provide you with a few tidbits I have learned along the way to help you maximize your time and get things done. Let’s get after it!

1.) Don’t over commit:

The first step to getting things done actually occurs before the day even begins. If you overcommit to things, you are already setting yourself up for failure. I know especially here in the south it’s hard to say no to people, activities, and opportunities. We are just so dang nice, yall. Bless it. Sometimes though, it’s just not worth it. I have had to back off of some of my work because I was simply getting too overwhelmed, overworked, and overtired. I started taking it out on my family and it wasn’t pretty. No amount of money is worth that, my friends! Take a step back and look at your week, or have someone impartial look with you to help identify if you have too much going on, and if something can be passed off to someone else. When asked to do a project or participate in something, don’t immediately say yes. It’s ok to say “let me get back to you,” or even “sorry I can’t this time!”

2.) Choose you work environment carefully:

This is one of the ones I really have problems with. My “office” is upstairs in the bonus room, it’s a mess, and it’s just not a sunny cheery place. Now, I typically work at the kitchen table, which is super klassy with a “k”. I know, you all had this grand illusion of me sitting at my computer desk, with my race medals and mickey mouse ears hanging from a lamp shade, surrounded by files and notepads full of amazing blog ideas. Heh. No no, I work at the kitchen table hand me down from when I was 4 years old, surrounded by baby toys, pens with no ink in them, and sticky notes that I can’t even read because my handwriting is THAT bad. Ok, we are getting off track ere… This has pros (I can multi task, watch the baby, etc.), and cons (I can turn on the TV and get easily distracted, I see all the things that I can piddle with in the kitchen and living room, gives me a divided mind).

3.) Plan/schedule in advance:

I use a combination of a paper planner and my Google calendar. I put important deadlines and appointments in the Google calendar which sends alerts to my phone, and every day type things like “go to grocery store” in my paper planner. I am also a big fan of daily lists, they help keep me on track and knock out the big stuff I need to get done that day. My brain can only hold so many things before something falls out of it. I have learned that just because I say “I will remember xyz” does not mean it will actually happen. This has gotten exponentially worse since having my child. Mom brain is a real thing. I actually left my groceries in the car after I came home last week. I hang my head in shame. Oh, and I promise my April calendar doesn’t really look like this. Oh how I wish. This is just an old picture.

4.) Plan breaks:

This is not only for your mental health but for your physical health. I spend a lot of time in front of the computer writing, so I need stretch/walk breaks just as much as mental breaks. I tend to do short bursts of work then move on to something else. For instance, I will put on a load of laundry, wash some dishes, then sit down at the computer and catch up on emails. Then it’s switch the laundry over, take out the dog, and do some squats before getting back on the computer and writing my next blog post. If it’s a day when the baby is home then I really, really take a lot of “breaks” to do things with her. I’m constantly jumping around because my attention span is like that of a gnat. The only problem is sometimes my “breaks” end up being too long and I tend to flutter to too many flowers and not really get anything done. Thanks Facebook.

Another reason I get nothing done? You are looking at her.

5.) Discover how you work best:

Sit down and take a few minutes thinking about how you personally work best. Some prefer background noise, while someone else may need complete silence. You may work best in big chunks of time, knocking something out while your spouse works best in little spurts before moving on to something else. Figure out your work “style”, and then do everything you can to make it happen. If you work in an office cubicle, you may need to wear some headphones to drown out noise. If you are at home with kids, prioritize the things you can get done while they are awake, and then save the things you really need to focus on for naptime.

6.) Prioritize:

Again, make a list, make a list, MAKE A LIST! There is something so satisfying about crossing something off of a list isn’t there? Pick the three to five most important things that MUST GET DONE TODAY and put those in bold letters at the top of your list. Then add a few more things underneath in regular lettering that you would love to get done, but if you don’t it’s not the end of the world. Groceries and picking up the baby from daycare fall under the MUST DO. Note to self.

7.) Reward yourself…after your work is done:

Plan a reward for getting your list completed, but be careful to not reward yourself until AFTER you get your work done. It can be something like stopping at Starbucks on the way home from work, taking a bubble bath or a long walk by yourself, a pedicure, or picking up your favorite take out for dinner. Or, you can wait and reward yourself on the weekend if you make it through all five days of getting everything done that you were supposed to that week. I try to stay away from food related rewards, but something they are necessary.

Happy Boston Monday! One of the fun things about being part of the running/blogger community is that I “know” so many people running today. Some I have met in real life, and some only online, but I still support them anyway and am so excited for them today!

I can’t believe it’s been just over a month since I ran the LA marathon. No, seriously, I really can’t believe it. The furthest distance I have run since is 3.5 miles and I thought I was going to die. True story people. Anyway, today brings back memories of my recent marathon and just how tough the distance truly is. The pain fades pretty quickly, but oohhh do I still remember. I will be thinking of everyone running today and wish you speedy legs and amazing selfies!

Speaking of selfies, I am going on a Disney trip soon with Jen, who I haven’t seen since our Disney trip in February.

Last time I was at the good ‘old mouse house, I saw a disturbingly large number of selfie sticks in the parks. Did you know, that it has been such a problem, that WDW has gone so far as to ban selfie sticks on rides because they are a hazard? Seriously though, this should be a NO BRAINER. Anyone should know that bringing a selfie stick on a roller coaster is dangerous. Not to mention, those parks get crowded, yall, and I don’t know about you but I don’t want my mickey ears to get wacked off my head by a stick with a phone on the end of it. I don’t really consider that magical. I get wanting to get cool shots and wanting everyone to be in the picture, but unless you are trying to get a photo of 5 or more people, then simply holding your arm out should really suffice. I even have ridiculously short arms for m height, and I have managed to take selfies since before they were cool. Just kidding. I’m not even pretending that I’m trendy. I’m so, so not.

I’m getting off track here. Anyway, after learning about the ban at Disney, I decided to do some official research (aka Google), to find out if maybe other places have done the same thing. What I found was quite interesting, so I thought I would share.

Selfie sticks are not allowed at the Smithsonian or the National Galley of Art. (But seriously, If you are taking selfies in a museum you are already really nerdy.) In addition, you cannot bring the “narcistick” as some call it (hehehe) into Yankee stadium, certain soccer stadiums and music festivals, and the newest to join in the ban, the Kentucky Derby. I get it. The hat you were planning to wear to the horse race is HUGE, so the only way to get alllll of that into one picture is to use a selfie stick. Just ask a stranger for a photo (or wear a smaller hat).

My personal feelings? As long as you aren’t invading my personal space, I really don’t’’ care. Just give me my bubble and no one gets hurt. However, I can see how in a crowded location like a theme park or a sporting event they could be dangerous and cause issues. Or I can see my husband getting us kicked out because he wanted to pretend it was a light saber.

QOTD: What are your thoughts on the ban of selfie sticks in some places, or on selfie stick all together? Awesome? Annoying? Sound off in the comments!

It’s natural to become focused on the big things in life, and worry about outside forces, building stress. A few simple lifestyle adjustments can result in greater control over attitude and energy, while reducing stress and fatigue. Yes, you can exert more control over your life, produce positive attitude hormones, and blend together body, mind and spirit by planning and taking action.

• Walk or run, one day and a walk (or cross train) the next. While the exertion will wake up the muscles, you’re away from the phone, allowing the mind a little freedom. Most who start with a blank mental state, finish their exercise session with the day planned, and a few new ways to deal with problems. Others like to walk/run during lunch hour, while munching on an energy bar. This can clear out morning stress and prepare mind-body for the challenges of the afternoon. Many evening exercisers believe that the weight of the day’s stress is erased or contained with the after-work workout. Scheduling these outings gives you control over your existence.

• Don’t sit–walk!. The addition of a few extra short walks, throughout the day, will energize the body and activate the mind. Park farther away from work, the food store, the transit station, etc. Many of my clients use a step counter for motivation and calorie counting. It helps to find one that is consistent and reliable (usually @ $30). Shoot for 10,000 steps a day. You are rewarded for getting out of your chair (or the couch) more often. These short walks burn fat, which adds up (up to 30 pounds a year!). The best reward is the head clearing effect, which can power you through the mid morning or mid afternoon energy crises. Even a 3-4 minute “recess” walk at work, can result in clearer thinking, more energy, and greater self-confidence.

• Eat more frequently. Each time you eat, even a small snack, you’ll boost your energy level. The longer you wait to eat, the more likely your metabolism will slump into drowsiness and laziness. This also means that you’re not burning many calories. If you divide up your daily calorie budget into 6-9 snacks a day you’ll burn more fat (up to 10 pounds a year). Eat a snack every 2-3 hours, and you can feel better all day. It helps to choose foods that have (percentage of calories vs total calories) about 20% protein, about 15% fat and the rest in complex carbohydrate. This combination will leave you satisfied longer with fewer calories consumed. To experience a fat loss, consumption can be managed through websites or journals. For more information, see A WOMAN’S GUIDE TO FAT BURNING by Jeff and Barbara Galloway.

• Help someone exercise. The psychological benefits are significant when you help someone improve the quality of their life. Offer to walk (run, hike) with your spouse, parent, friend co-worker, child—or all of the above. My books WALKING & GETTING STARTED have proven programs with motivation which can lead you and your “coach-ee” through the training.

QOTD: Which of these do you need to work on? Any other tips to go along with these?

Hi! I am Heather Montgomery, formerly known as Running With Sass®, a 31 year old living in Tampa, Florida with my husband and two year old daughter. I’m just a regular girl who likes to run, travel, go to Disney World, and eat junk food.
Thank you for visiting my blog! Feel free to contact me, (or for PR inquiries) at [email protected]